92 
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
But Pharmacy is yet more fortunate; for while it should be 
cherished, on account of its direct utility, it furnishes subjects for 
contemplation, that can attract, elevate, and improve the mind. 
Let me present the grounds of this opinion. The sciences enu- 
merated are devoted to the scrutiny of Nature, implying an ex- 
amination of herproductions,and the determination of the forces 
every where operative in the origination of phenomena. How 
ample the range it offers! Take either Botany, Zoology, or Mi- 
ralogy, and its objects are not confined to place or country; 
there is no restriction to its inquiries, except that which the li- 
mits of the earth impose; for in every region the most valuable 
treasures have been detected. How diversified the structure, 
forms, and properties exhibited! Pass in review these seve- 
ral departments, and it will be manifest that each comprises a 
multitude of individual existences, dissimilar in construction, 
appearance, and inherent qualities. What order prevails 
among these beings! With what regularity are their parts con- 
joined, and with what subserviency of purpose are they fitted 
to one another! Examine an animal, a plant, or a crystal, and 
nothing can be detected at variance with an universal princi- 
ple of harmony. 
Extended as may be the sources whence bodies are derived, 
whether organic or inorganic, infinite as may be their forms, 
complex as may be their parts, and various as are their quali- 
ties, still investigation is not satisfied; Chemistry submits 
them to its operations, their composition is determined, and 
such as are compound are resolved into their simple elements; 
the laws that govern particles and masses, that regulate their 
movements, are expounded; the numerous processes through 
which matter must pass in the assumption of new shapes are 
developed, while the agents are indicated that serve to effect 
such modifications. From data thus supplied, the plan 
on which our globe is formed can be elucidated; Eternal 
wisdom and design can be made evident. Now, I would ask, 
if such be the nature of the pursuits embraced by Pharmacy, 
if such the tendencies of which they are susceptible, when 
carried to their full extent, where can there be found others 
